Donald H Washburn

Donald H. “Burns” Washburn, aged 71, of Milford, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at West River Healthcare Center of Milford. Don was a caring partner, loving uncle, and friend to many.

He was born on November 15, 1951, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to the late George K. and Goldie (Austin) Washburn. Don spent most of his childhood in Greenwich before relocating to Milford, CT, where he resided at the time of his death.

Don was an avid fisherman. He spent many years as a boat captain fishing the waters of Long Island sound and running fishing charters on the “Mr. Lucky,” his 37 ft Egg Harbor, out of Milford, CT, and Montauk, NY. He also participated in numerous fishing tournaments with friends and family. Don also loved to duck hunt with his black labs (Major, Buck & Bolo) over the years, enjoying direct access to the marshes from his home. He was also an avid bird watcher. He was an “encyclopedia of knowledge” when it came to the various species that called the Milford shoreline home, and he loved sharing his knowledge.

Don worked for the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat in Essex Ct, where he captained guided tours up and down the Connecticut River until his retirement in 2012.

He was a proud member of the Pootatuck Yacht Club in Stratford, CT, Stratford Boat Owners Association (SBOA), Stratford, CT, and a long-standing member of the National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited.

Don is survived by his loving partner of 47 years, Linda Black, of Milford, CT. Together they enjoyed everything the Milford Shoreline had to offer. Trips to Montauk for tournaments and fishing on the “Mr. Lucky” with family and friends. Lunches and dinners out at their favorite restaurants and, best of all, bus trips to the Mohegan Sun Casino. Don also leaves his sister-in-laws, Sandra Black-Soltesz (Boynton Beach, FL), Debra Black (Orange, CT), and brother-in-law, Richard Black, Jr. (Stratford, CT). Along with his loving nieces, nephew, great-nephews, and his friend & aide, Berta, who took great care of him.

Friends are invited to pay their respects at the Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT, on Sunday, January 29, from 2pm to 5pm. Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s memory to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.

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